A proper car seat is key to keeping kids safe during each car trip. But do you know how to choose the right car safety
seat for your child's age and size? Brush up on your car seat knowledge with these need-to-know facts.

Home alone: Is your child ready?
The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions that most kids younger than age 11 or 12 are not able to handle stressful or emergency situations on their own. Even more important than age is maturity: Does your child behave responsibly? Is he or she relaxed or uneasy about being alone? The bottom line: Let your child stay home alone only if you and your child are comfortable with the idea.
Prepare your child
Dieter Sumerauer, MD
Pediatrician, Pediatric and Adole...

If you live in an older home, make sure your baby is tested for lead exposure at age 1. Call us for an appointment.
Lead poisoning in children is a serious health problem that can lead to developmental and physical problems, but the news isn’t all doom and gloom.
“We’re still seeing kids with lead in their bloodstream, but most of the kids have low levels that don’t require treatment,” says pediatrician Laura Caserta, MD. “There’s no safe blood level an...

There’s nothing scarier than an ER visit on Halloween. Ask us how to keep you and your children safe during the festivities.
You and your little ghost or goblin may get a thrill out of yelling, “Boo!” on Halloween, but you’ll be crying, “Boo-hoo,” if any of you get injured while trick-or-treating or attending a costume party.
“We see injuries all year round, but certainly there are risks associated with Halloween that cause kids to become injured,&rd...

Do your kids know there’s a right way to wear a backpack? More than 14,000 children are treated annually for backpack-related injuries. Follow these rules for proper backpack safety and to prevent injury.
Get more health tips and information on symptoms, treatment options, prescription medications, prevention and more from UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Health & Wellness Library.

When certain bacteria, viruses or parasites contaminate food, they can cause foodborne illness. People with weak immune systems due to cancer are more likely to get sick from contaminated food. There are things you and your caregivers can do to safely handle and prepare your food to avoid foodborne illness.
To learn more:
Visit www.foodsafety.gov. This site includes general food safety information, as well as details about recent food recalls and alerts. You can sign up to get food recall ...

Many of us enjoy the fun, outdoor activities of summer. But if staying cool and comfortable through the scorching hot, humid weather is tough for you, perhaps it’s time to take a holistic approach to cooling down.

Many people enjoy a Fourth of July holiday celebrated with fireworks. But the 30 days surrounding Independence Day are some of worst in terms of injuries. In fact, an estimated 240 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries near July 4th.

Summer is a time for sports, swimming, biking, hiking and taking in the summer sun. But, with that summer fun comes a host of summer risks – many of them leading to injuries that could have been prevented.

If the heat’s getting you down, see your doctor.
It’s only natural to want to take advantage of the warm weather by getting in some extra training outside. But with temperatures on the rise, your favorite outdoor activities may be detrimental to your health. Exercising or participating in sports in extreme heat can lead to serious conditions, such as heat illness or heatstroke.
The first sign of trouble is excessive sweating, says sports medicine specialist James Voos, MD.
“...

Do you know how to avoid hot weather hazards? Ask us.
Summer heat waves are coming. While extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, it can have a dire effect on you if you're over 65.
According to geriatric medicine specialist Taryn Lee, MD, aging bodies have a more difficult time regulating internal temperature, leading to overheating and potentially life-threatening illnesses.
“When you’re older, physiologically you’re not as good at adjusting to changes that might happen...

Do you need help with an impulsive child who regularly wanders off? We can help
Distractions happen. Even if you're the most vigilant of parents, it's normal to look away from your child at the store or in the park. When you turn back, poof – he has vanished. Now what do you do?
"Every parent has had this experience when she doesn't know where her child is for a short period of time," says clinical psychologist
Carolyn Ievers-Landis, PhD. "It's scary."
If you're like most parents, your ...

The snowy winter months are prime time for orthopaedic injuries resulting from falls, such as strains, sprains and fractures. To prevent falling this winter season, use these six simple strategies:
Wear appropriate footwear when walking outside – even if it’s just from the parking lot to inside a building. Your best option is a pair of winter boots with rubber or neoprene soles, which provide good traction when you’re walking.
Take extra care when you get in or out ...

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